HMM unveils new fleet control centre in South Korea
HMM has unveiled its land-based fleet control centre at its research and development (R&D) facilities in Busan, South Korea.
HMM has unveiled its land-based fleet control centre at its research and development (R&D) facilities in Busan, South Korea.
The centre is designed to oversee and control the work of the fleet of HMM, which includes twelve 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) and eight 16,000 TEU container vessels.
Delivery of all its twelve 24,000 TEU containerships was completed this month and the other 16,000 TEU vessels are scheduled to join the fleet in the second quarter of next year.
The 20 container ships are equipped with latest smart ship solutions.
The newly launched centre offers a combined platform for ship-to-shore data transfer and improved connectivity.
Its real-time monitoring system can provide a large amount of information with full visibility, which includes vessel performance, location, fuel consumption, sea weather and cargo information.
Vessels can also use a remote control system that supports different ship operations such as inspection and repair of ship machinery.
Additionally, each ship needs to identify and respond to unexpected threats or obstacles on and around the ship by sharing the data information in a timely manner with the fleet control centre.
HMM will analyse operational performance and explore the commercial feasibility of autonomous ships on the basis of the data that is gathered from the centre.
HMM president and CEO Jae-hoon Bae said: “Digital capabilities have become a key element in securing a competitive edge. We will accelerate efforts to enhance operational excellence and efficiency in our fleet management.
“We will also gradually apply the smart ship solutions not only to our newbuilds but also to the other ships already in operation.”
Earlier this month, HMM signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to develop smart ship technology.
In April, HMM revealed the world’s largest containership HMM Algeciras in Geoge, South Korea. The 24,000 TEU ship is the first of the 12 vessels that will be delivered to the company.